SLIFER - Dolores G. Ekquist, 95, passed away Monday, July 30, 2012 at Tompkins Memorial Health Center, Fort Dodge. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, August 3, at the First United Church, Farnhamville, with Steve Satre officiating. Burial will be at Reading Township Cemetery, Farnhamville. Friends may call after 4:00 p.m. Thursday at the Palmer Funeral Home, Gowrie. Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.
Delores is survived by her daughter Zoe Ann Heinmiller of Whittier, CA; sons, Loren Ekquist of Sterling, IL, and Donald Ekquist of Philadelphia, PA; five grandchildren;five great-grandchildren; and sister Bernice Magner of Grand Rapids, MN. She was preceded in death by her husband Vernon; son Dyrus Ekquist; parents, Dennis and Florence Hoare Vinchattle; brother Virgil Vinchattle; and sisters, Vera Holt, and Darlene Bean.
Dolores Genevieve Vinchattle Ekquist was born October 11, 1916 at Slifer, Iowa. She graduated from Somers High School, with the Class of 1932. On March 5, 1940 Dolores was united in marriage to Vernon Ekquist in Rockwell City. The couple established their home on a farm near Slifer, where they farmed. Dolores also cooked for the Country House Restaurant for thirteen years. Dolores and Vernon retired from farming in 1982, and made their home in Slifer. They spent their winter months in California for many years. Delores was an active member of the Church of Brethren of Slifer, where she taught Sunday school for many years, and also served as Ladies Aid President. Later, Delores became a member of the First United Church.